Digital BW, The Print

I have a epson 2200  on my desk  and have been reading forums and 
talking to folks. More I hear the less able I am to load the inks 
and software.  Just read the  clayton jones article about Black 
Only. Is that a good place for me to start and can I use it both 
color and bw interchangeabley.  A Rip  program right now is out of 
the question. suggest to get me kick started?